OUGD405 Design Process- Postcard research

Below are a selection of postcards and prints that involve an 'X' to help with creative thoughts for my postcards i've got to create based on the cross shape and using images taken around college. The majority of the X's in my research are illustrations as opposed to photos which would be more beneficial. But I thought I could maybe edit my photos so they look like illustrations or edit my photos to gain more of an effect similar to some below. 

I don't to over edit my images though I want to keeps simple and for the image to be recognisable and not far away from the original. My idea is to use one photo and just apply a different effect to each one. I love the use of the colour gradients because it brings out sections of the photo that otherwise remain dark and unseen. I also love the cut out X's, they could work really well with the images I have, the only issue is there might be too much white space surrounding the cut out edge and it could be bordering too simple.

Sources